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Exercise 0259 · REF x6KpKpq

Close-Grip Push-Up exercise animation

Close-Grip Push-Up

Category
Upper Arms
Equipment
Body Weight
Target
Triceps

Bringing the hands close together under the chest turns a standard push-up into a triceps-dominant exercise, similar to what a close-grip bench press does relative to a standard-width one. The chest still assists, but the triceps take on noticeably more of the pressing load through this narrower hand position. It's harder than it looks — the narrower base also demands more shoulder and core stability to keep the elbows from flaring out.

How to Do the Close-Grip Push-Up

  1. Start in a high plank position with your hands placed close together, directly under your shoulders.
  2. Engage your core and lower your body towards the ground, keeping your elbows close to your sides.
  3. Push through your palms to extend your arms and return to the starting position.
  4. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.

Muscles Worked

The Close-Grip Push-Up primarily targets the Triceps, with Chest as the primary synergist muscle group, along with the Shoulders.

More Upper Arms Exercises

Assisted Standing Triceps Extension (with Towel) Assisted Standing Triceps Extension (with Towel) Assisted · Triceps Assisted Triceps Dip (kneeling) Assisted Triceps Dip (kneeling) Leverage Machine · Triceps Band Alternating Biceps Curl Band Alternating Biceps Curl Band · Biceps Band Close-Grip Push-Up Band Close-Grip Push-Up Band · Triceps Band Concentration Curl Band Concentration Curl Band · Biceps Band One Arm Overhead Biceps Curl Band One Arm Overhead Biceps Curl Band · Biceps

More Triceps Exercises

Band Side Triceps Extension Band Side Triceps Extension Band · Triceps Barbell Close-Grip Bench Press Barbell Close-Grip Bench Press Barbell · Triceps Barbell Decline Close Grip To Skull Press Barbell Decline Close Grip To Skull Press Barbell · Triceps Barbell Incline Close Grip Bench Press Barbell Incline Close Grip Bench Press Barbell · Triceps Barbell Incline Reverse-Grip Press Barbell Incline Reverse-Grip Press Barbell · Triceps Barbell Jm Bench Press Barbell Jm Bench Press Barbell · Triceps

Equipment Alternatives

Don't have body weight? These target the same triceps with different equipment.

Assisted Standing Triceps Extension (with Towel) Assisted Standing Triceps Extension (with Towel) Assisted · Triceps Assisted Triceps Dip (kneeling) Assisted Triceps Dip (kneeling) Leverage Machine · Triceps Band Close-Grip Push-Up Band Close-Grip Push-Up Band · Triceps Barbell Close-Grip Bench Press Barbell Close-Grip Bench Press Barbell · Triceps

FAQ

What muscles does the Close-Grip Push-Up work?
The Close-Grip Push-Up primarily targets the triceps, with the chest and shoulders assisting.
What equipment do I need for the Close-Grip Push-Up?
The Close-Grip Push-Up is done with no equipment — just body weight.
What's a good alternative to the Close-Grip Push-Up?
If you don't have access to the space or setup it needs, the Assisted Standing Triceps Extension (with Towel) targets the same triceps using assisted instead.